Kanchanaburi Travel Guide
Raft Adventures on the Kwai
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Kanchanaburi is infamous for the Bridge on the River Kwai and yet today belies its tortured past with a gentle atmosphere lent by the very same river. Come hear to relax after time in the capital or en-route north and exploring nearby villages, waterfalls and nights on floating raft-houses during your stay.
Most historians agree the ancient town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village located some 16 km north of the present town. Located as it is close to the Burmese border it was a natural staging post for invaders from the west. In the 20th century the Imperial Japanese army garrisoned itself here and used captured POW and forced local labour to build the infamous Death Railway over the River Kwai to Burma.
Kanchanaburi gives its name to a province of the same name and is a mostly mountainous area; several of Thailand's largest waterfalls and most extensive wildlife sanctuaries are found in this area. This magnificent landscape offers a great travel experience for visitors who come for rafting, kayaking, mountain-biking, bird watching, elephant and jungle trekking, or just chilling in bamboo rafts.
Attractions in Kanchanaburi
For a poignant reminder of the past visit the Allied War cemetery, the JEATH and WWll Museums and the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. For lighter moments take a trip out to Erawan Falls where a 7-tiered waterfall is accessible on foot. There are several wats to discover including Wat Mangkon Thong, the Temple of the Floating Nun as it is dubbed. The river itself is a great attraction with kayak trips a pleasant way of spending time. Further afield are Prasat Meung Singh Historical Park with its Khmer ruins and Sai Yok National Park good for exploring on foot.
Activities in Kanchanaburi
Allow around 3 days to explore the area fully, though those short of time can get a good feeling with an overnight stay. Hire bikes and get out on foot in Erawan National Park before taking to the water in a kayak or canoe. Arrange a local guide through a Travel Expert and head out to Prasat Meung Singh Historical Park before travelling on to explore Sai Yok National Park on foot.
Relaxing
Nights spent on a raft-house on the River Kwai are a great highlight of a stay in Kanch.
Getting Around
The town itself is easily explored on foot and by bike, as it the immediate area around. To get further afield you’ll need to arrange transport with a local Travel Expert who will be able to provide just transport or outfit a more in-depth sightseeing trip. Erawan Falls is easily accessed by public transport from the town.
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